Cinder Path Tales

A VIRGINIA JUMPER shapely body grew large and firm as the days went by. I wasa bit troubled by the boy's extreme popularity, for it brought continual temptation to shirk work. Some one or another was perpetually asking him away, when if he had possessed fewer friends, he would have been less troubled. He was a mighty fine-looking fellow, and with an un­ limited fund of good nature andgood cash (two most essential passports to college popularity), spring found him the best known and best liked man of his class, a favorite with man, woman, and beast. He had stuck to his work most faithfully, and barring a little flingor so, suchas all boys of his age are likely to take, I had little fault to find with him. I remember I expressed one day my surprise that he had not missed his hour in the gymnasium more than once or twice since he started in, and was told, as if the answer was conclusive, that he had given his promise. He also added later that a Fairfax never broke his word, even in the least degree. One common difficulty I escaped with Dick, that of keeping himfrom the football field, the grave for the hopes of so many a promis­ ing athlete. Dick pronounced the game altogether too much like work to suit him, and no entreaty wouldmove him in the least;